A bushfire has broken out in the southern Perth suburbs of Langford and Beckenham, prompting authorities to issue an emergency warning and advise residents to leave immediately. The fire was reported on Saturday, with strong winds and dry conditions aiding its spread. Firefighters are working to contain the blaze as it moves unpredictably through bushland and residential areas.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) issued an emergency alert for residents in affected suburbs, warning that the situation was life-threatening and that residents should leave if safe to do so. Authorities have urged people in the area to follow emergency services’ directions, as conditions could change rapidly.
Initial reports indicate that the fire broke out in bushland before spreading towards homes. The cause of the fire remains unknown. Firefighters have been deployed with aerial support, using water bombers to slow the fire’s advance while ground crews work to establish containment lines.
Residents in Langford, Beckenham, and surrounding areas have been advised to evacuate towards safer locations, with evacuation centres being set up for those in need of shelter. Authorities have advised people to take essential belongings, including medications and important documents, as they leave their homes. Those who are unable to evacuate safely have been instructed to seek shelter and remain indoors, away from external walls and windows.
Strong winds have made firefighting efforts challenging, with authorities concerned that changing weather conditions could cause the fire to change direction unexpectedly. High temperatures and dry vegetation have further contributed to the fire’s rapid spread. Authorities have warned that embers may be carried by the wind and could ignite spot fires ahead of the main blaze.
Emergency services, including local firefighters, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and police, are actively working to manage the situation. Water bombers have been deployed to assist in fire suppression, but authorities have warned that ground-level firefighting remains extremely difficult due to harsh conditions.
Motorists have been warned to avoid the area, as smoke and road closures could pose significant hazards. Authorities have also urged residents to stay informed through official emergency broadcasts, the DFES website, and local news updates.
Power outages have been reported in parts of the affected suburbs, with some residents experiencing disruptions as emergency services work in the area. Western Power crews are monitoring the situation and will work to restore electricity once it is safe to do so.
There are currently no confirmed reports of major property damage, but authorities have indicated that homes and structures remain at risk. Witnesses in the area have reported seeing large plumes of smoke and flames close to residential properties, raising concerns about potential losses. However, officials have not yet provided a full assessment of damage.
The DFES has reminded residents to have a bushfire survival plan in place and to act quickly if advised to evacuate. Those in the warning zone have been told that waiting too long to leave could place them in danger, as fire conditions may worsen without warning.
The community has been urged to support emergency responders by staying off the roads in affected areas unless evacuating or responding to direct instructions from authorities. Police and traffic management services are assisting in coordinating evacuations and ensuring road safety.
As the situation develops, residents are advised to continue monitoring emergency updates and remain prepared for further instructions. Authorities have not yet provided an estimate for when the fire may be fully contained, as conditions remain unpredictable.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
References:
– The West Australian: Langford and Beckenham bushfire residents told to leave now as blaze roars
– ABC News: Emergency warning issued for Perth’s southern suburbs amid fast-moving bushfire
– PerthNow: Fire emergency in Langford and Beckenham as residents urged to evacuate